What Is Judo?

Bushido Martial Arts
Jan 19
4 min read

Judo is a Japanese martial art that focuses on balance, control, and efficient use of movement rather than raw strength. We are often asked what judo is, where it comes from, and how it relates to Japanese Jiu Jitsu, which is the system taught at Bushido Martial Arts.

This article is written to give a clear, educational overview of judo. It explains its origins, how it developed, how it spread around the world, and how it differs in purpose and structure from Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

Where Does Judo Come From?

Judo originated in Japan in 1882 and was founded by Jigoro Kano.

Kano studied several traditional schools of Japanese Jiu Jitsu at a time when Japan was modernising rapidly. Many jiu jitsu systems were highly effective but included techniques that were difficult to practise safely or repeatedly.

Judo is therefore an evolution of traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu, not a separate or unrelated art. Kano refined the existing techniques, removed those that carried a high risk of injury, and organised the remaining principles into a structured system that could be trained with resistance.

He named this system judo, meaning the gentle way. This reflects the principle of using timing, leverage, and balance to overcome strength.

What Was Judo Originally Designed For?

Unlike many older martial systems, judo was designed with education in mind.

From the outset, judo was intended to be:

Safe enough to teach in schools and universities
Structured enough for consistent progression
Practical enough to develop real physical skill
Ethical enough to promote character and discipline

Because of this, judo was adopted into the Japanese education system and later used in police and institutional training. This focus on safety and structure played a major role in judo’s rapid spread.

Core Principles of Judo

Judo is built around a small number of key principles that guide both training and behaviour.

These include:

Using an opponent’s balance and movement against them
Maximum efficiency with minimum effort
Control rather than unnecessary force
Mutual welfare and benefit

These ideas shape how techniques are practised and why safety is prioritised so strongly.

Why Breakfalls Are Central to Judo

One of Jigoro Kano’s most important innovations was the formal teaching of breakfalls.

Breakfalls allow students to fall safely when thrown, reducing the risk of injury and making it possible to practise throws with realism and repetition. This aligns perfectly with Japanese Jui Jitsu.

Because of this:

Students can train at speed more safely
Throws can be practised repeatedly
Training becomes more controlled and sustainable
Judo became suitable for large group teaching

Breakfalls are taught from the very beginning and remain a foundation of all judo training.

Major Milestones in the History of Judo

1882. Kodokan Judo Founded

Jigoro Kano founded the Kodokan in Tokyo, establishing judo as a formal martial art.

Late 1800s to Early 1900s. Adoption Across Japan

Judo was introduced into schools, universities, and police training, helping to standardise and spread the art.

Early 1900s. International Expansion

Kano travelled extensively and sent senior students overseas. Judo spread through universities, military institutions, and martial arts clubs in Europe, the UK, and the United States.

1951. International Judo Federation Formed

The International Judo Federation was created to oversee international standards and competition.

1964. Judo Enters the Olympic Games

Judo became an Olympic sport at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, marking global recognition.

1992. Women’s Judo Becomes Olympic

Women’s judo became a full Olympic sport, expanding judo’s reach and participation worldwide.

Today, judo is practised globally in both recreational and competitive settings.

What Does Judo Training Typically Look Like?

Beginner judo training usually follows a clear progression:

Learning posture, movement, and balance
Practising breakfalls safely
Introducing basic throws
Controlled partner work
Gradual refinement through repetition

Training prioritises correct movement and safety over speed or force.

Common Misconceptions About Judo

“Judo is just throwing people.” Throws are important, but judo is equally about balance, control, and positioning.

“Judo is only for competition.” Many people train in Judo without ever competing. Fitness, coordination, and discipline are common goals.

“Judo is not practical.” Judo techniques have historically been used in police and self-defence contexts, particularly for control and restraint.

Is Judo a Martial Art or a Sport?

Judo is both.

As a martial art, it teaches discipline, respect, and efficient movement. As a sport, it uses a strict rule set to test techniques safely under pressure.

The sport element helped judo spread globally, but it is not the only reason people train.

How Judo Differs From the Japanese Jiu Jitsu We Teach

Although judo evolved from Japanese Jiu Jitsu, the two systems have developed in different directions.

Judo focuses primarily on throws, balance, and stand-up grappling, often within a sport framework.

At Bushido Martial Arts, we teach Japanese Jiu Jitsu that also includes Shotokan style striking. This creates a broader self-defence system that covers striking, grappling, and close-range control. If you would like to read more about Japanese Jui Jitsu, click here.

This combination is what differentiates our training from many traditional Japanese martial arts dojos.

Why Understanding Judo Matters

While we do not teach judo, understanding it provides important context. It explains the roots of Japanese Jiu Jitsu and why certain principles, such as balance and breakfalls, are shared.

Judo’s evolution into a global and Olympic sport reflects its structure, safety, and effectiveness. Japanese Jiu Jitsu, particularly when combined with striking as we teach it, remains focused on adaptability and real-world self-defence.

A full comparison between judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu will be covered in a separate educational article.